Toys “R” Us ‘pop-up’ stores open in Springs

Based on the success of an experiment last year, Toys “R” Us plans to open about 600 temporary “pop-up” stores around the nation this holiday season.

The toy retailer has already opened two in greater Colorado Springs, at Woodmen Commons Shopping Center and First and Main Town Center during August.

Known as Toys “R” Us Express, the stores are smaller versions of permanent stores and will stay open through the holiday shopping season.

Toys R Us experimented with the idea last holiday season, when it opened about 90 pop-ups.

“Toys R Us operates 850 permanent stores around the nation and is able to obtain and examine consumer data and shopping preferences in those markets,” spokeswoman Katie Reczek said. “We chose the markets that we felt would benefit from the convenience of having Toys “R” Us in local shopping areas and selected quality, high-trafficked locations in those areas.”

The move is estimated to produce 10,000 temporary jobs and double the number of Toys “R” Us locations during the holiday season.